This letter was written by Michael Gonnelly (1836-1863)—a native of Ireland—who enlisted at the age of 25 in Co. E, 72nd New York Infantry [3rd Excelsior Brigade] on 8 August 1861 at Dunkirk. He was killed in action at Gettysburg on 2 July 1863. [also borne as Gonnolley]
At Gettysburg. the regiment—which had by this time become noted for its fighting qualities—occupied the center of Dan Sickles’ advanced position on the Emmitsburg road west of the Trostle farm. This position was valiantly defended by the Excelsior brigade against Barksdale’s and Wilcox’s men until outflanked by McLaws’ men of Longstreet’s Corps. The loss of the 72nd New York here was 114, and the ranks, which later fought at Kelly’s ford, Bristoe Station and in the Mine Run campaign, were sadly thinned. All totaled, the 72nd Regiment lost 11 officers and 150 enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 1 officer and 88 enlisted men to disease, a total of 250. It is honored as part of the Excelsior Brigade monument at Gettysburg with its sister regiments from the brigade, the 70th, 72nd, 73rd and 74th New York Infantry.
[Note: This letter is from the private collection of Michael Bursaw and is published by express consent.]
TRANSCRIPTION
Camp Nelson Taylor, Va.
May 28th 1863
Dear Brother,
I received your letter a couple days ago and [the] Irish American sometimes. I was glad that you, Margaret, and Jack was well as I am happy to say I am at present myself, thank God. I m glad you are getting along so good. It makes me feel glad among all the excitement of a battlefield. I hope you will continue to get along good.
I received a letter from Tom McLamplin’s brother from New London, Connecticut. He just arrived from Ireland. Send word to Tom and let me know if Tom looked after his brother’s pay or bounty that was killed.
You said if I could get a furlough. There is none now. Besides, there is enough looking after them than the Dunkirk friends. I will wait until my time is out or the war is over.
I don’t see what John is raising your letters for I suppose[d them] burnt long before this. There is nothing new around here. We are at our case at present but may not be in 24 hours as things come sudden.
I have no more to say at present. I send my love to you, Margret, & Jack and all friends. I just came off guard and feel sleepy. All the boys is well.
I remain your affectionate brother, — Michael Gonnelly, Co. E, [72nd New York] Third Excelsior Brigade, Camp Nelson Taylor, near Fredericksburg, Va.
Spared & Shared 18 
What a great grouping especially with the letter being written just 5 weeks before his death. I am a great admirer of your work.. of both your interpretation of the penmanship and of your historical detective work.
How was did you determine that Michael’s brother’s name was Jack?… Also, how was it determined that Michael was born in Ireland?
Thanks again for all that you do for the community.
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Unfortunately I can’t remember. This was four years and thousands of letters ago. However, I think I had found some information on his brother James Gonnelly who filed the paperwork for his brother Michael’s estate settlement a couple years after Michael’s death. James, who was only a couple years older than Michael, was born in Ireland, and I believe they I had found something about when they migrated to the US. Both Margaret and Jack are mentioned in the letter but I can’t remember their relation to the brothers. Usually I write that kind of stuff down in the bio but didn’t for some reason on this letter. Sorry I couldn’t be of more help.
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